What is SAFE's mission?

Socially Accountable Farm Employers (SAFE) is a nonprofit organization that provides independent auditing and certification of fair, lawful farm labor practices in the agriculture industry. SAFE certification signifies that a producer has complied with implementing the principles SAFE's farm employer Code of Conduct. SAFE is a positive development for the industry and for farmworkers because it will validate the good labor practices that the vast majority of growers already follow.

What does SAFE certification mean?

Producers who earn the SAFE seal have demonstrated that they foster a work environment for their employees that is free of intimidation, violence and harassment, and minimizes workplace hazards. SAFE certification shows a commitment to ethical labor practices by the agriculture industry and signals to the marketplace that growers are doing the right thing.

Growers who are SAFE-certified have demonstrated they comply with strict standards outlined in the organization's Farm Labor Employer Code of Conduct. The code covers general employment practices and specific issues such as forced labor, child labor, discrimination, wages and benefits, employment records, workplace safety and housing.

How does SAFE certification benefit workers?

In the agriculture industry's workplace culture, it's important that producers are doing the right thing every step of the way. Workers and growers alike benefit when a company treats its employees fairly and with respect. Employees who work for a SAFE-certified grower are ensured a safe work environment. They are protected from child labor and forced labor as well as discrimination, and they are assured that grower-supplied housing is legal and safe.

There are benefits to consumers as well. SAFE certification ensures that they know the agriculture industry is committed to fair and ethical labor practices.

What does the certification process involve?

Producers who apply for SAFE certification undergo an initial self-assessment that includes a variety of workplace parameters. Intertek, a third-party organization, then conducts an independent audit of all phases of the grower's operation, from field to packinghouse. The audit is based on standards outlined in SAFE's Farm Labor Employer Code of Conduct. Certification would extend to any contracted labor a grower uses as well.

The code covers general employment practices and specific issues such as forced labor, child labor, discrimination, wages and benefits, employment records, workplace safety and housing. The grower either receives SAFE certification, is advised of measures to take conditional to certification, or is denied certification. Once a company is certified, it must undergo annual audits to maintain certification.

Why was SAFE formed?

SAFE was founded to help ensure that farm employers are doing the right thing. Today's consumers are looking to business - including the agriculture industry - to demonstrate corporate responsibility. Food retailers and restaurant chains are responding by setting rigorous standards throughout their supply chains.

SAFE certification will demonstrate that growers are treating their employees fairly and providing a safe workplace. The great majority of farm employers are already doing a good job, and they too will benefit from a commitment to legal, fair treatment of their workers.

Companies that have earned SAFE certification are proud of the designation and are considered leaders in the industry.

How does an interested company apply for certification?

SAFE certification requires thorough auditing by a certification organization and subsequent approval by the SAFE board of directors. Agricultural employers may contact SAFE to learn more about the requirements by calling 321-214-5200.